Week 11 AMA: Rizzler Ball
Thank You for your point of view Dan!
What do you think of the Saints Receiver options? What do you see in our Tight Ends? If you could add an archetypal TE or WR (Body type/skillset)… what would you add?
I'm both surprised and pleased with the WR production with pretty much a new roster of WRs. If you'd have told me a few weeks ago that Derrick Carr would have 2 of his most productive games passing without Olave, Shaheed, Bub Means, Tipton... I'd have been skeptical. So massive credit to the scouting department in finding and bringing in the new WR corps and the coaches for knowing how to use them--particularly Valdes-Scantling. What a massively pleasant surprise.
TE-wise, the Saints are getting a lot more production from Moreau and Johnson as of late, and I think a lot of that has to do with Trevor Penning turning the corner and needing less help on the edge (and Erik McCoy returning also doesn't hurt). Taysom Hill was also more involved this past week, which is a long time coming (I suspect this was more gameplan-driven, but deemphasizing the kind of the in-line blocking and traditional fullback role is gonna be better for preserving his health).
In terms of body types--that can be a bit loaded because I like different body types for different roles. If you're talking about just well-rounded TE and WR--I mean, I'm gonna look at guys like Calvin Johnson and Rob Gronkowski :). You get guys with that size and athelticism combo and you have an unstoppable weapon.
But more generally--and staying away from "genetic freaks" (though you have to be a genetic freak to be in the NFL, so maybe "outliers" is a better word)--at WR you want length and strength but generally not overly bulked guys b/c they tend to be heavy striders. So in that 6'2-6'4 range, usually 205-215 on the possession side and a little slimmer on the speed side. Guys with body control and quick eyes/late hands to react, and a lot of physical awareness to know how to use their body and be aggressive on contested catches. That size range usually lends itself to deep speed as well.
TE - you want a guy in the 6'4 - 6'6 range, 250+, well proportioned and with a basketball background (I'm looking for power forwards). A little bit unstable in the head doesn't hurt if it's channeled correctly. That height gives you a guy who can work the seams and the weight--enough bulk to kick out a DE or arc release and go toe-to-toe with a LB. Long-strider speed and spatial awareness to work the seams and length/jump timing (basketball background--talking rebound ability) to be able to catch high throws over LBs and safeties.
Again this is very general, while still specific to the NFL. I'm talking about perimeter receivers and in-line TEs. With WR's moving into the slot you can get a little on the shorter side (5'9 - 5'11). That 5'11 - 6'1 tends to be guys who can swing inside and out (and not be considered more of power slot like Colston or MT).
TEs - if you're talking that F role (H-back) then they can be a little on the shorter side. 6'2/6'3. Guys you can motion around, use in the backfield, etc.